New Digital Hub Office Space Opens in Historic Dublin Building

Lord Mayor and Minister for Communications officiate at opening event

It provided refuge for a 1798 rebel, served as a public library for 99 years, and was home to a feather merchant and his family in the 18th Century, but today (26.11.12) a new chapter in the life of an historic Dublin building began when it reopened as a high-class office premises run by The Digital Hub.

Townhouse Twenty2 – located at No. 22 Thomas Street in Dublin’s south-west inner city – is the latest premises to be developed by the Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA) and is the seventh new building to be brought into use since The Digital Hub project was established. It is one of a number of protected structures in a terrace of buildings fronting directly on to Thomas Street.

The redeveloped building has 372 square metres of office space over five stories, specifically designed to meet the needs of 21st Century digital businesses. The redevelopment – which began in March of this year and ended in October – required extensive alterations, as well as refurbishment and extension works. According to the DHDA, although the building was completely modernised, an important emphasis was placed on retaining its historic features.

“We sought to protect the period features, both internally and externally,” said Philip Flynn. “We removed, restored and reinstated the original window-glass, for example. The building also has a distinctive carriage arch and doorway, and fine stucco detailing around all windows. The redevelopment showcases these beautiful features to full effect.

“At the same time, the offices in Townhouse Twenty2 have been designed to provide modern and flexible space to start-up and expanding companies. Currently, The Digital Hub campus is at full occupancy, so we’re delighted this new space is now available. We’re already in advanced negotiations with a number of prospective tenants, and we expect the building to be fully occupied within a matter of months.

“The opening of Townhouse Twenty2 marks an important milestone in the development of The Digital Hub, and we look forward to working with Dublin City Council and the Department of Communications over the coming months to ensure the project’s continued success.”

Townhouse Twenty2 was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Naoise Ó Muirí. The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte TD, was also at the opening event.

In his address, the Lord Mayor said: “Over 120 years ago, the then Lord Mayor of Dublin, William Meagher, was present for the opening of No. 22 Thomas Street, after it had been transformed from a merchant’s home to a Dublin Corporation library. As one of his successors, I’m delighted to be here to do the honours today.

“It is estimated that this building was constructed during the mid 18th Century, and originally served as a townhouse in what was then one of the city’s most vibrant commercial locations. Although Dublin 8’s commercial activity declined during the 20th Century, the area is once again making its mark on the national economy. The Digital Hub alone is home to over 70 businesses, operating in one of Ireland’s fastest-growing economic sectors. At the same time, there are an increasing number of social, cultural and educational amenities opening nearby.

“The redevelopment of this building will contribute in a very tangible way to the local economy. I am looking forward to seeing the first tenant companies moved in and operating out of this historic space.”

Companies interested in renting office space at Townhouse Twenty2 can contact the DHDA by calling 01-4806200 or emailing locate@thedigitalhub.com. The Digital Hub offers competitive rates and flexible terms to tenant companies, including short-term leases. All offices at the Hub have state-of-the-art broadband connectivity and IP-based voice and data services. Enterprise networking and support services are also available to all companies at the Hub.

“Companies derive real business development opportunities through their involvement in the vibrant and collaborative community culture that typifies the new digital media / internet sector and is the distinctive hallmark of The Digital Hub – digital is in our DNA,” said Philip Flynn.

Maxwell Photography will be circulating photographs – for reproduction, free of charge – to all photodesks this afternoon.

About The Digital Hub

The Digital Hub is an Irish government initiative aimed at creating an international centre of excellence for digital content and technology enterprises. It is located in Dublin’s south-west inner city, and is home to over 70 digital enterprises, ranging from start-ups to well-established businesses that are significant employers and leaders in their fields. Since the project’s inception, 170 companies have progressed through the Hub, including some now well-established names such as Daft.ie, Havok, Houghton Mifflin (Riverdeep), Amazon, PopCap Games and Gala Networks Europe. The Digital Hub Development Agency is the Irish state agency that manages the Digital Hub project. Further information is available at: www.thedigitalhub.com.